Meet Ryan: Real Stories from the ADF Navy

I love the flexibility to ‘change it up’ every few years and that no two days are alike.
Ryan, Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic

How it started

Mum said get a trade or stay in school, and I’d always wanted to complete a trade and be hands-on in a job. I completed a light vehicle apprenticeship at Toyota and decided at 25 to become a Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic (also known as Marine Technician – Propulsion) in the Navy. The Navy presented me opportunities to train others starting out in the mechanical world and teach them key skills, while upskilling myself professionally and continuing to learn new life skills while travelling.

What I do

My job is to maintain and repair our Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and ships so that all other Navy members can conduct their roles safely and effectively. Daily tasks might be onboard ships for maintenance, or in my case, most days consist of RHIB maintenance (oil and filter changes, safety checks and repairs if required) kind of like a car service at a dealership. In some cases, we have international ships such as US, NZ or UK Navy come for urgent defect repairs which I’ve been part of.

Once all the day’s jobs are complete, we head home around 15:30 to our families.

How it’s made an impact

Without my branch, Marine Technicians, Navy Ships couldn’t run because their equipment wouldn’t be in working order. That means they wouldn’t be able to protect Australia or conduct humanitarian support.

Working as a team is very important. Whether it’s the stores person that orders my tools or the chefs that feed us onboard, I can’t do my role without a team behind me, and they can’t do theirs without me.

Ryan appears in the latest ADF Careers recruitment campaign ‘Unlike any other Job’.

Proudest moment

My last apprentice, Will, is like my ‘work son’. I helped him complete his apprenticeship to such high standards he was selected as a junior member to conduct an Overseas Navy training program. He told me he wouldn’t be the Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic he is now without my help and mentoring. Helping him get past his fears and doubts was really rewarding.

How I’ve grown

In life before the ADF, I found I would often avoid issues or dealing with hard situations.

Since joining I have more self-confidence, my leadership skills have improved, I’ve grown to enjoy taking on and overcoming new challenges, and I’ve found pathways for myself and others. I’ve further developed my mechanical skills, professional writing and speaking, but more importantly I’ve learned to confidently ask for help even if it’s something I already know but am unsure.

What I love

I love the flexibility to ‘change it up’ every few years and that no two days are alike in a workshop, or at sea. I also love the opportunity to travel around the world. As for what I get out of it, personally, knowing I am helping my ship mates achieve their goals is what I love most. Knowing I’m part of something bigger makes me very proud to be in the Navy.